Dakota Johnson is promising to make Turnstile’s upcoming Saturday Night Live performance a full-contact affair.
In a playful new promo for the episode, Johnson looks directly into the camera and declares that she will “form a wall of death” in celebration of the Baltimore hardcore band’s appearance as musical guest.
Comedian Ben Marshall is less eager to join her in the mosh pit. He jokes that his doctor has forbidden him from moshing because he tips over too easily — a center-of-gravity issue he compares to the problem faced by Ikea lamps.
The promo brings Johnson together with all five members of Turnstile: Brendan Yates on vocals, synth and keys; bassist Franz Lyons; guitarists Pat McCrory and Meg Mills; and drummer Daniel Fang.
Johnson, who previously hosted SNL in 2015 and 2020, is returning for another stint as host. The episode will also mark a significant moment for Turnstile, which will become the first hardcore band to perform on the show since Fear’s chaotic 1981 appearance.
Turnstile gets a warning about the set
That history becomes part of another joke in the promo, as Johnson recalls how Fear “completely trashed the set” during its performance.
“They threw stuff around and said things you cannot say on TV,” she tells Turnstile. “It was a mess. You aren’t planning to do that, right, Turnstile.”
The question is met with sheepish expressions from the band members rather than a firm reassurance.
Another take finds Marshall attempting a series of awkward hugs with the musicians, including one cuddle that receives a notably warmer response. He also congratulates the group on its Grammy success, prompting the members to answer together.
“Wow, do you guys always speak in unison like that,” Johnson asks. “Because that would be weird.”
The gag continues when the band indicates that, yes, speaking collectively is apparently standard practice.
Behind the comedy is a recent awards run for Turnstile. At the 68th Grammy Awards, presented in February of this year, the band won two of its four nominations. Never Enough took best rock album, while the album track “Birds” earned best metal performance.
Johnson’s latest projects
Johnson’s return to SNL comes as she promotes Verity, the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel.
She also appeared alongside Colin Farrell in Taylor Swift’s “Patient Zero” music video, which premiered on the MTV Video Music Awards.
For now, however, the promo keeps the focus on Johnson’s willingness to mosh, Turnstile’s hardcore history and the question of whether the band will leave the SNL set intact.
What Happens Next?
The new episode of Saturday Night Live, featuring Johnson as host and Turnstile as musical guest, airs Saturday, Oct. 3 at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.